US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SB375

Introduced
2/3/25  

Caption

Transition-to-Success Mentoring Act This bill establishes a transition-to-success mentoring program requiring the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to eligible entities (e.g., local educational agencies) to provide school-based mentoring programs to assist at-risk students in transitioning from middle to high school. ED must also work with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to (1) refer grant recipients to the National Mentoring Resource Center to obtain mentoring resources, and (2) provide grant recipients with information regarding transitional services for eligible students returning from correctional facilities and transition services for students with disabilities.

Impact

The enactment of SB375 would significantly impact educational practices, especially in high-need communities. By providing dedicated funding for mentoring, the bill promotes resource allocation directed towards students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ultimately aiming to improve retention rates and academic performances. Each success coach will be tasked with not only improving students' academic outcomes but also enhancing their social skills and school behavior through structured support programs. This could potentially lead to upward mobility for these students, as they are guided through critical transition periods during their education.

Summary

SB375, known as the Transition-to-Success Mentoring Act, aims to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 by establishing a structured mentoring program for at-risk middle school students transitioning to high school. The bill emphasizes the importance of supportive relationships, advocating for grants to local educational entities to create or enhance mentoring initiatives focused on academic success and personal growth. The program expects each participating student to be paired with a 'success coach,' who will actively assist in developing personalized plans for the students' educational and career goals.

Contention

While the bill garners widespread support due to its focus on aiding at-risk youth, there are notable points of contention. Critics might question the sustainability and effective implementation of the proposed mentoring programs, arguing that reliance on grants could lead to inconsistency in support. Furthermore, the preparation and qualifications of success coaches are critical as they play a significant role in the efficacy of this initiative. Concerns over whether schools have adequate resources to support monitoring and evaluation of the mentoring programs could also arise, particularly in light of accountability and long-term success indicators. Ensuring that these initiatives genuinely meet the needs of the communities they aim to serve is vital.

Congress_id

119-S-375

Policy_area

Education

Introduced_date

2025-02-03

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB3941

Relating to services provided to foster youth transitioning to independent living, including transitional living services and Medicaid eligibility.

US SB687

Child Care Scholarship Program - Youth Transitioning From Foster Placement to Successful Adulthood Pilot Program - Establishment

US HF386

A bill for an act providing for a study of transitioning certain medical schools in Iowa from four-year programs to three-year programs.(Formerly HF 146.)

US HF146

A bill for an act providing for a study of transitioning certain medical schools in Iowa from four-year programs to three-year programs.(See HF 386.)

US HB811

Mentoring to Succeed Act of 2025

US SB299

Mentoring to Succeed Act of 2025

US A09540

Establishes the transitional pathway program for students in higher education at SUNY and CUNY schools with autism spectrum disorder to encourage accessibility and inclusivity in higher education for students with autism spectrum disorder; makes related provisions.

US S0234

Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).

US S2214

Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).

US H8462

Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.